Mexico weekly ledger., 1887-08-11
International s. 8. Lessons
THE nRAT1TupEs.
s@a''as, Avg, II, 1887, Mat. 8; lie.


-----z--=-=-4---
Saa'iav, Avg, II, 1857. Mat. 8; I-l6.
The sermon on the mount can be
prostahly divided into parts. The
Seven Beatltudes, as they have been
called, naturally form the first of
such divisions and have therefore
been made the subject OF lesson.
These beatitudes may he regarded
as steps or stages of divine life, as
are regeneration, repentance and
each embracing and
experimenting those that proceeded
it, and together constituting true
progress in godliness, in which case
the promises attached to them will
appear to be a summation OF the
reward that awaits all who persever-
ingly and successfully seek the king
dom of heaven. Or they may be
looked at as blessings provided for
two classes of disciples, the first con-
sistiug of those that feel the need of
greater spirituality, mourn its absence
are humble and submissive in view of
their condition and hunger and thirst
for righteousness and the second Of
such as sympathize with the first, are
pure in heart and labor to enlighten
and reconcile the world to God. To
both of which classes the kingdom is
promised. Or each beatltude or con-
dition blessed may be considered
separately and treated as a spiritual
experience invariably accompanied in
the providence of God with special
recompense. In view, however, of
the ever practical character of
Christ's teaching, it will probably be
best for the Sabbath School instruct
or to expound the beatitudes as sew
orally addressed to persons present
when the sermon on the mount was
preached Luke, 6:20-11, strength
ems this conclusion by recording that
the Savior said,'' Blessed be ye poor;'
blessed are We that hunger now
Blessed are ye that weep now," etc.
YER. 8. "Blessed are the poor in
spirit, for theirs is the kingdom OF
heaven" is far disciples that realized
their need Of an outpouring of the
Holy Ghost.
YER 4 "Blessed are they that
mourn, for they shall be comforted.' y
This refers to such as were not only
conscious of their need of spiritual
baptism, but gave mournful expires
sion to ,heir feelings, arising FROM
perception of their condition.
YER 5. BLESSED are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth. "
This is addressed to those discl
pies that felt and lamented their need
of increased spirituality, and yet un
der seemingly adverse providences
awaited patiently Gods time for its
bestowal. The land promised such
Is symbolic of heavenly possession
YER. 6 BLESSED are they thai
hunger ard thirst after righteous
ness: for they shall be filed" o.
course the righteousness desired is
that of the kingdom of heaven, sought
even in poverty of spirit, mourning
and waiting. Hungering and thirst
ing are painful sensations and imply
intense longing.
YER. z. blessed are the mercifu
for they shall obtain mercy" This
must be interpreted by the heavenly
vernacular. s'For l will be mercifu
to their unrighteousness and their sir
and iniquities will I remember nt
more" Merciful-forgivlng, Mercy
forgiveness.
YER. 8. BLESSED are the pure i,
heat: for they shall see God. "Th'
commandment of the Lord is pure
enlightsning the eyes" Thy words
have hid in my heart that l might
not sin sgainst thee" "With m,
whole heart have I sought thee" ~
good man out of the good treasure o
his heart bringeth forth that which i
good" In this beatitude the CHINA
seems to have been reached. Purit,
on one side, God ON the other. Th
next beatitude is a continuation o
this.
YER. 8. BLESSED are the peace
makers: for they shall be called th
children of God" The pure, tina
love God with the whole heart an
their neighbors as themselves are th
real sons of God. They are childre
of the Father, messengers Of the So
and instruments OF the Holy Ghost
and are engaged ia reconciling ma
to God. The glory of the kingdor
now and hereafter IS entrusted t
such.
From the, narrative it may be in
ferred that the time had arr i've
when Jesus thought it proper to re
veal the char acteristies of his king
dom and therefore his retirement an
the gathering to him of his Disciples
The form of instruction used. an
especially the part of it under con
sideration, was admir- ably conceived
1t ought to be noticed and pointe
out that the Savior did not lay dow
specific rules of conduct, bu
i pronounced suitable blessings upol
those that conformed to the lead,n
outline of his teachings and thereb
directed attention to visible an
4 f..s :